Failing at Adulting, Winning at Comedy

Dalton Smiley

 

@DALTONSMILEY | DaltonSmiley.com

 

Comedians have been a crucial part of the backbone of entertainment since the days of old. Thanks to today’s social media platforms and online channels, finding and connecting with your favorite funny people is easier than ever. But what does it take to “make it” as a comedy influencer? We caught up with Dalton Smiley, a Louisiana-based content creator, to find out!

 

“I’ve always been active on social media in different capacities but ultimately started taking it seriously in 2019 after I realized it was a passion of mine,” he says. “It was around the time TikTok was taking off, and I remember feeling like the platform could be the perfect launchpad for me. I started posting funny skits and participating in trends, and the growth slowly started.”

 

Today, Smiley has amassed over 669,000 followers on TikTok, over 224,000 on Instagram, and has been featured by E! News, Buzzfeed, and The New York Times. Keep reading to discover how he keeps the laughs coming for his audience while balancing his happiness and career aspirations.

 

VIE: What is your favorite part about your job, and what is your least favorite?

 

Dalton Smiley: I love the doors this job has opened and the incredible people I’ve met. This job has allowed me to meet (and become friends!) with so many of my favorite actors, singers, and other influential figures I looked up to and still do! It’s been neat to watch so many people connect with me because of my content. My least favorite part would have to be how much time you have to spend on social media. It can be easy to fall into the comparison game and be hypercritical of yourself. It can be easy to feel like someone is doing it better, faster, and funnier than you. I try to set boundaries for myself to keep my mental health strong and my consistency going.

VIE: What is a highlight moment you’ve had as an influencer?

 

DS: Oh gosh! I’ve honestly been so lucky to have so many! I know it sounds simple, but probably the most impactful was moving away from my hometown and doing this full-time. It was so terrifying yet invigorating. I remember sitting on my couch in my new living room hundreds of miles away from my friends and family and thinking, “I really did it!” After you’ve worked hard for so long, sometimes it’s hard to realize it’s paying off. I was living in a brand-new city from my influencing income and finally seeing my hard work come to fruition.

 

VIE: What words of wisdom would you give someone interested in becoming an influencer?

 

DS: First, I truly believe the best time is now. From a technical perspective, these social media platforms are expanding into new niches every single day. There’s something for everyone; however, you have to be dedicated. It’s not a side hobby or a get-rich-quick scheme. I worked for almost two years before receiving a penny. This is a business that you have to be passionate about. When you put yourself on display daily, your intentions will eventually become crystal clear to your audience. They will 100-percent be able to tell if you’re inauthentic or just doing it for a bad reason. Lean into what you love, and don’t be afraid to fail. Try to look at every failure as an opportunity to improve because, like any new business, there are certain to be failures. Your job at the end of the day is to keep pushing and persevering, and this is much easier if you’re creating content that you love and get fulfillment from.

There’s something for everyone; however, you have to be dedicated.

 

VIE: What are you currently watching, listening to, or reading?

 

DS: Currently watching the new season of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. I cannot get enough!

 

Listening to Taylor Swift—that’s a given. It depends on the day and my mood, but recently, I’ve had “Cornelia Street (Live from Paris)” and “Right Where You Left Me” on repeat! Currently reading Happy Place by Emily Henry. Go read it now!

 

VIE: Besides your phone, what’s one thing you can’t leave home without?

 

DS: Oooh, I’d probably have to say the tote bag I bring on most of my outings. It just has everything I need to get through the day: laptop, sunscreen (the curse of being a ginger), Aquaphor, hand sanitizer, and my AirPods! If I had to pick just one, though, Aquaphor saves my life every day. I use it on everyone and everything!

VIE: What’s your top travel destination for fall?

 

DS: I wish I were going somewhere a little remote to see the leaves changing, but I’ve got other things to take care of! I know for a fact that I’ll be bouncing between Dallas, New York, and LA this fall, but that list is always changing, so who knows?

 

VIE: What’s your favorite fall trend?

 

DS: I absolutely love a knitted sweater. I feel like you can create a lot of dimension to your style once the cooler temperatures start. Fall is a time when I can finally stop sweating, let my personality shine through my clothing, and feel like myself again.

 

VIE: Thank you, Dalton!

 

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